My Pod with DJ Gully

HE MAY lend his voice as a continuity announcer to Channel 4 and E4, and host for Brit Asia TV, but DJ Gully is at his best when he is mixing up the biggest hits. His list of impressive achievements includes DJing for Nike and regularly providing guest mixes for BBC Asian Network.

Eastern Eye got him to select 10 songs he loves...

Smooth Criminal by Michael Jackson: Growing up as a child, I used to Moonwalk repeatedly and tried to re-enact MJ’s anti-gravity lean. It was vintage MJ in terms of the video with the storyline, but no one will ever forget the choreography and gangster outfits. The song is the epitome of cool.

A Real Hero by College Ft. Electric Youth: Most folk will know this from Ryan Gosling’s film Drive. It’s drenched in 1980s goodness and fits so well within the particular scene with Gosling and Carey Mulligan driving through sun-kissed LA.

Finesse (remix) by Bruno Mars Ft. Cardi B: If anyone knows how to pay homage to the old school it’s Bruno Mars. It’s only been out a few weeks, but Finesse reminds us why New Jack Swing was nothing but good vibes. It’s a nice opportunity for teens of today to revisit some classic Bobby Brown and the like.

Try Again by Aaliyah: Before she unfortunately passed away, Aaliyah looked like she was veering onto global domination in music and film. It’s no wonder the likes of Drake and so many other artists and producers constantly sample her voice, as no one quite compares.

Warning by Notorious B.I.G: 2Pac edges Biggie for me just ever so slightly but when it comes down to storytelling, the late great Christopher Wallace is untouchable. Wordplay at its finest here from Biggie as you almost feel like you’re being led down a scene from a Tarantino movie as he describes a possible attempt on his life.

Brenda’s Got A Baby by 2Pac: Again, hip-hop lends itself to some serious storytelling, and this track is certainly up there when it comes to raw uncut and no filter tales from the hood. The debut solo single from Pac still remains one of his most powerful, describing the struggle of a pregnant 12-year-old.

Barking by Ramz: Fourteen millions views and counting, Ramz probably single-handedly put Barking on the map. He’s yet another youngster from south London making waves, proving that this generation of UK artists are here to stay, and no wonder given the level of music which is being released.

I’m The Man by 50 Cent Ft. Chris Brown: I can’t quite remember another artist who built such a buzz when he released his debut album on Aftermath. Since then I wouldn’t say I’m head over heels for 50’s music, but in recent times, I’m The Man is a standout track.

Never Give Up by Sia: A feel good track as featured in Dev Patel’s Lion. It comes at just the right point during a very tough and heartfelt movie.

So Serious by Illyus & Barrientos: The Glasgow duo pulls no punches with this house banger fresh for 2018! Check out their previous stuff as these guys embark on global success with support from the likes of Radio 1.